Citroen Racer Restored

The opportunity arose for me to take some shots of the newly restored 1924 Citroen B12 Sports Racing Car, and so I grabbed the opportunity in the hope I might also get a chance to drive her.

The weather was warm changeable, but bright, so after watching and providing some minimal assistance to Alex checking valve clearances, plugs and magneto, it was time to start her – she fired up second swing, and the exhaust sound was crisp and even. So it was all aboard for the milk run – a trip through the lanes to Burnham Village for two pints! Alex felt he was providing a service to the community in bring smiles to the faces of all who heard and saw us!

I cannot say it was the most comfortable of rides as it definitely was not, but exhilarating it was, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. On our return I was rewarded with a short drive to bring the car from the front of the house to the barn, worth every second! Alex took the camera from me to get a shot of me behind the wheel – note my more mundane transport in the background.

Vitamin B12 – Citroen flavoured

“Vitamin B12 has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain” – the Citroen B12 racing car from around 1924 has now taken hold of my nephew in much the same way! He purchased the car from racing driver Graham Capel, who personally delivered it to Alex. I was honoured by being asked to pick Alex up from Luton Airport so that he could be present for its arrival.

What a shame that the weather was so inauspicious; it was grey, dull and threatening to rain. We arrived after Graham, so I took a few photographs of the car on its trailer before going in to meet the seller. By the time I came in and was introduced, Graham had already learned that I had been a Marshal and regularly attended Goodwood, and he had fired Glory, my sister in law, with enthusiasm for the car, its history, and the idea of going to the Revival Meeting with the car.

The threat of rain, and our arrival, curtailed further conversation, so Alex, Graham and I set to, getting the car around to its new home. I took a few more shots, so we had a record of its arrival and handover. I also managed to capture the feeling of awe on Alex’s face and his intrigue, as Graham showed him photos, catalogue, advertisements and history that all added to the provenance of the vehicle; he was thrilled to learn he was being given these as well.

We just managed to get the car off the trailer and under cover before the rain. We then spent some time learning something more about starting the car, where things were stored and small points of interest. After Graham left we did some more manoeuvring to put the car securely in a garage.

I look forward to seeing the car restored and running on the road, hopefully in sunshine!